Why preventive care is important

Remember the old saying that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"? This can be especially true when it comes to preventive health care. Maintaining or improving your health is important - and a focus on regular preventive care, along with following the advice of your doctor, can help you stay healthy.

Black widow spider

Jan 18, 2005 Viewed: 380

Definition
This poisoning is from a bite by a black widow spider.

Where Found

Black widows are found throughout the U.S., but predominantly in the South and West. They are usually found in barns, sheds, stone walls, fences, woodpiles, porch furniture, and other outdoor structures.

Symptoms

Body as a whole
o Pain similar to a pinprick at site of bite
o Numbness (changes to a more numbing pain of the affected area)
o Muscle pain and cramps, especially of the shoulders, back, thighs, abdomen, or chest
o Increased sweating
o Increased salivation

Reproductive system
o In pregnancy, uterine contractions and premature labor

Home Treatment

Place ice (wrapped in a washcloth or other suitable covering) on the site of the bite for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process. Seek immediate emergency medical treatment.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

Patient’s age, weight, and condition

Time the bite occurred

Area where the bite occurred

Identity of the spider, if possible

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control Centers for telephone numbers and addresses.

If it is necessary to go to the hospital, bring the spider (if safely possible) to the emergency room for identification.

What to expect at the emergency room

Treat the symptoms with a variety of therapies, such as pain medication, muscle relaxants for spasms, anti-hypertension drugs for elevated blood pressure, and in severe cases, antivenin medication.

Expectations (prognosis)

Death in a normally healthy individual is very rare, but is more likely in very small children and elderly victims. Severe symptoms usually resolve within 2-3 days, but milder symptoms may persist for several weeks.

Last revised: December 6, 2012by Dave R. Roger, M.D.

Medical Encyclopedia

All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.

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